Watch National Finals Rodeo Live Stream 2023 Las Vegas NFR

The National Finals Rodeo (NFR) plays host to a rich tapestry of seven core events, each embellished with its own prize fund that reflects the prowess of the top contenders. Payouts hinge on the ranks achieved by competitors within the event’s broader prize pool. Those securing positions within the top six of a specific event garner their deserved rewards, while individuals placing within the top eight of the overall NFR field are also duly compensated. The constellation of NFR’s main events unfolds as follows:

Bareback Riding

In this discipline, a cowboy perched atop a horse relies solely on a bareback rigging to maintain their balance amidst the horse’s frenzied bucking. This gripping technique has often been likened to clutching a suitcase handle, serving as the lone means of support. A successful 8-second ride qualifies, with the rider’s technique under scrutiny.

Steer Wrestling

Bearing the moniker of a “bulldogger,” the horseback steer wrestler exhibits a display of speed and strength, swiftly halting a sprinting steer and urging it onto its back. Executing this feat demands a blend of strength, precision, speed, and technique. The bulldogger, commencing from a designated point, springs from their horse to tackle the steer racing off from the same point.

Team Roping

Headers

One half of the horseback team, the header’s task is to deftly rope the steer’s head in one of three attempts, choosing from options like both horns, one horn and the head, or encircling the neck.

Heelers

Complementing the header, the heeler springs into action once the header successfully ropes the head. The heeler’s aim is to rope the steer’s hind legs, ensuring both are ensnared to evade a 5-second penalty.

Saddle Bronc Riding

Mirroring Bareback Riding, this event charges the horseback cowboy with maintaining balance atop a bucking horse for a solid 8 seconds. Yet, in Saddle Bron Riding, the cowboy is seated on a saddle while gripping a thick rein attached to the horse’s halter.

Tie-Down Roping

A cowboy mounted on horseback attempts to subdue a calf by expertly throwing a precisely timed rope loop, tethered to the horse. Launching from a designated starting point, both cowboy and calf are in motion, with the calf receiving a slight head-start. Upon dismounting, the cowboy relies on the horse to eliminate slack in the rope before hastening to secure the calf in record time.

Barrel Racing

Exclusively for cowgirls, this event orchestrates a race against the clock around a strategically plotted course, with barrels as markers. The mission: to nimbly navigate the cloverleaf-shaped course, encircling three barrels aligned in a triangular formation. Accidentally knocking over barrels incurs 5-second penalties.

Bull Riding

Championed by cowboys, Bull Riding necessitates a solid 8-second balance atop a bucking bull. The cowboy’s technique is scrutinized, and extra points can be earned by spurring while the bull bucks. A flat braided rope serves as the lifeline, both to maintain balance and wrap around the bull’s chest.

In the pantheon of NFR accomplishments, the coveted title of All-Around Champion reigns supreme, an emblem of exceptional versatility and mastery. This honor is bestowed upon a cowboy who, having clinched the highest prize money in a given year, participates in at least two NFR events while securing a minimum of $3,000 in each event. Recognized as the pinnacle honor by the PRCA, it testifies to unparalleled achievement and embodies the spirit of rodeo excellence.